Camp Catahoula Kicks Off for Pediatric Burn Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of 40 pediatric burn survivors will head to Baton Rouge General’s Camp Catahoula Saturday, July 16. The week-long camp, held in Lawrence, Miss., provides summer fun like swimming, fishing and games along with the chance for burn survivors to share their experiences with other survivors.

Camp Catahoula is staffed by volunteers from Baton Rouge General -- doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and even a chef – as well as the Baton Rouge Fire Department, Louisiana State Police, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Brothers Keepers, a firefighters’ motorcycle club. Parents of young burn survivors and adult burn survivors also volunteer at camp, which is free for the kids to attend.

“It is rewarding to see the campers’ excitement as they interact with other children recovering from burn injuries,” said Dr. Tracee Short, burn surgeon and medical director of BRG’s Regional Burn Center. “To feel supported and comfortable around other burn survivors who have faced the same trauma and who carry similar scars truly aids in their emotional healing.”

Campers will enjoy an action-packed week, including karaoke, a Christmas in July day, yoga, cooking, team relay games and an obstacle course. They’ll also have the chance to do arts and crafts, and join in various small groups for sharing their stories.

Several organizations support the BRG Foundation by raising funds to send local children to Camp Catahoula without any expense to their families, with Shell as the primary sponsor. Other supporters include AT&T, Baton Rouge Fire Department, Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation, Brother’s Keepers, Cenla Roadrunners, E.J. and Marjorie B. Ourso Family Foundation, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Louisiana State Police, Professional Firefighters Association of Louisiana, The Vision 21 Foundation, many adult burn survivors, and current and former staff.

“From helping bring to life the outdoor therapy area in a newly expanded space to presenting Camp Catahoula for the third year, Shell is proud to be a partner in the important work of Baton Rouge General’s Regional Burn Center,” said Emma Lewis, Shell Senior Vice President US Gulf Coast. “Our team has had the opportunity to take an active role in Camp Catahoula, adding to the camp experience for our region’s youngest burn survivors.”

BRG's Regional Burn Center was first established in 1970 and first verified burn center in the region. the Verification by the American Burn Association is a rigorous process ensuring that BRG’s team and facilities are held to the highest quality standards of care management of burns from time of injury through rehabilitation.

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About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

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